Inertia FSB Series Brakes for Warehouse Retrieval Systems

February 14, 2020

A major U.S. manufacturer of automated warehouse systems needed a reliable electric brake solution for use on its robotic order sorting system.

The system utilizes a series of robotic platform/vehicles that move vertically and horizontally on tracks integrated into rows of bin racks. On-board multi-directional scanners are used to identify, pick and place specific products on the vehicle that are needed to fulfill particular customer orders.

Each platform/vehicle has two brakes installed, one mounted to the X/Y-axis drive motor and the other mounted to the Z-axis drive motor. The brakes provide static holding of the vehicles in the event of a power interruption or failure.

The OEM contacted Inertia Dynamics (IDI) based on the long-term successful integration of IDI brakes on another of its systems. IDI supplied standard FSB Series flange-mounted, spring-applied, power-off friction brakes to meet the customer’s application requirements. The small 1.37” diameter units easily fit within the vehicle’s tight footprint.

Type FSB brakes are designed to decelerate or hold inertial loads when the voltage is turned off. The brakes can be mounted directly to a motor or to a bulkhead. Factory-set air gap needs no adjustments and is practically maintenance-free. Advanced, asbestos-free friction material technology provides long life and high torque.